The Gutenberg editor (also called the block editor) has been the default editor since WordPress 5.0. Instead of a single text field, you work with blocks that you can drag and customize. In this guide you'll learn how to work with it effectively.

What are blocks?

Everything in Gutenberg is a block: paragraphs, images, buttons, columns. Each block has its own settings, and you can edit and move blocks independently of each other.

Benefits of blocks:

  • Visual editing without code
  • Create flexible layouts
  • Consistent design through reusable blocks
  • Less dependence on page builders

The interface

Top toolbar

  • + button: add new blocks
  • Undo/Redo: go back or forward a step
  • Document overview: a list of all blocks
  • Save/Publish: save your changes
  • Document tab: page settings (categories, featured image, etc.)
  • Block tab: settings for the selected block

Basic blocks

Paragraph

The default text block. Just start typing and Gutenberg automatically creates a paragraph block. Press Enter for a new block.

Heading

For titles and subheadings. Choose H2 for main sections and H3 for subsections. Don't use H1 in your content; that's reserved for the page title.

Image

Upload an image or pick one from your media library. Don't forget to fill in the alt text for accessibility and SEO.

List

Create bulleted or numbered lists. You can indent list items with the Tab key.

Quote

For highlighting a quote or an important piece of text. It usually appears with eye-catching formatting.

Layout blocks

Columns

Split your content into multiple columns. Choose a preset layout or adjust the widths yourself. Ideal for comparisons or for placing text and images side by side.

Group

Group several blocks together. Handy for applying a background color to a section or for moving blocks together.

Separator

A horizontal line to visually separate sections.

Spacer

Adds white space between blocks. Adjust the height in the block settings.

Handy tips

Keyboard shortcuts

  • /: type a slash to quickly search for a block
  • Ctrl + Shift + D: duplicate a block
  • Ctrl + Alt + T: insert a block before the current one
  • Ctrl + Alt + Y: insert a block after the current one

Moving blocks

Click the six dots to the left of a block to drag it. Or use the arrows to move a block up or down.

Transforming a block

Select a block and click the block type icon in the toolbar. For example, you can turn a paragraph into a heading or a list.

Reusable blocks

Creating a block you want to use more often? Select it, click the three dots and choose "Add to reusable blocks". You can then insert it anywhere.

Common problems

A block doesn't work as expected

Sometimes a plugin or theme conflicts with Gutenberg. Try:

  1. Refreshing the page
  2. Clearing your browser cache
  3. Temporarily disabling plugins

Need the Classic editor?

Some older plugins work better with the classic editor. Install the "Classic Editor" plugin to switch back. You can then choose per page which editor you use.

Gutenberg vs page builders

Gutenberg isn't a full replacement for page builders like Elementor. The differences:

  • Gutenberg: built in, lightweight, good for standard content
  • Page builders: more design options, more complex layouts, heavier

For blogs and simple pages, Gutenberg is often enough. For landing pages and complex designs, a page builder offers more possibilities.

New features

WordPress keeps expanding Gutenberg. Recent additions:

  • Full Site Editing: edit headers and footers with blocks too
  • Block patterns: ready-made block combinations
  • Global styles: change colors and fonts site-wide

Keep your WordPress up to date to benefit from new features.

Questions about Gutenberg or need help with your WordPress site? At Theory7 we're here for you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go back to the old editor?

Yes, install the "Classic Editor" plugin. You can then choose which editor you use per page.

Can I still edit my old posts?

Yes, existing content is automatically converted into a "Classic" block. You can keep this block or convert it into separate Gutenberg blocks.

Do all plugins work with Gutenberg?

Most plugins are compatible. Test new plugins on a staging environment first. Some older plugins need a Classic block or a shortcode to work.